Film and Mass Media Program at the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media
Fog, Haze, and Smoke
Overview
The use of fog, haze and smoke special effects are common throughout the industry to help create atmospheric conditions on set. Adding atmospheric particulates also helps to enhance lighting for dramatic effect, such as visible shafts of light.
Due to its frequent use, it is important to understand how to safely deploy these effects safely while on set.
Shall Notify
Productions must notify cast and crew of the intent to use artificial fog or haze on set. This must be accomplished by including its intended use on call sheets for each day of use during the production.
Limit Exposure
Avoid being in a fog-, haze-, or smoke-filled environment if you are not needed on set. If you believe you have been in a fog-, haze-, or smoke-filled environment for too long, take a break and spend time in fresh air.
Restriction of Use
Artificial fog and haze machines should only be use in controlled environments. Notifications must be posted to the visible public when fog, haze, or smoke effects have the potential to impact public spaces or neighboring businesses. We do not want to cause unnecessary panic or alarm from people mistaking the effect as a result from an actual fire.
The use of fog, haze, or smoke on campus is only permitted in sound stages unless authorized by the Coordinator of Film Production Services.
Student productions are limited to water-based fluids. The use of oil-based fluids is restricted unless approved by the Coordinator of Film Production Services.
The use of smoke canisters or cookies is restricted unless approved the Coordinator of Film Production Services.
Right to Be Informed
You have the right to be informed via the call sheet when a production plans on using special effects. This includes the use of fog, haze, and smoke-machines.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Health & Safety Date Sheet (HSDS) must be made available to cast and crew members who ask for it. Production must have physical copies available to handout upon request on days when fog, haze, or smoke machines are in use.
Haze Fluid
The primary haze fluid use on UCF productions is Elaton AAH-2L Water Haze Fluid. Below is the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer.
Fog & Smoke Fluids
We primarily use a variety of Froggy Fog fluid on UCF productions. A list of products and SDS documents can be found on the Froggy’s Fog website.
Dry Ice & CO₂
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and it frequently used in creative applications to simulate low-lying fog. While an effective option, there are some safe handling protocols that you should follow when using it on set.
Depending on ambient temperature and humidity, dry ice typically sublimates at a rate of 5-10lbs per hour. Make sure you calculate how much is need to work the scheduled scenes.
Handling
Always use insulated gloves. Never touch dry ice with your bare hands as its extremely low storage temperature will cause sever burns or even frostbite.
Always use in a well-venitulated area to prevent CO₂ from building up and causing respiratory issues or suffication. Be sure that any remaining dry ice is also disposed of in a well venitulated area.
Storage
Store dry ice in an insulated container, such as an ice chest, with a sealable lid. Never store dry ice with craft service drinks or food items in an ice chest. Never use an aluminum or copper container to store dry ice.
Dry ice should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid accelerating sublimation.
Safety Bulletin
Students should also familiarize themselves with the guidelines in the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee’s following Safety Bulletins: